RICHMOND IN 2 DAYS @ THE SWANKY QUIRK HOTEL & YSL EXHIBIT

July 29, 2017

Hi

Back from quick trip to Richmond, VA to visit my oldest son JOJO. Even though I was only gone 2 1/2 days it took a lot out of me. We did tons of walking, eating, sightseeing and timed it perfect to even visit the YSL exhibit at the VMFA. Also staying at the swankiest place in town THE QUIRK HOTEL I had been watching the Quirk Hotel for 3 years proior to opening and fianlly had the chance to stay there. The first of many visit to come I am sure. Let me start by saying Quirk Hotel Richmond, VA is designed in my favorite colors White, Pink & Black. Mixing modern with vintage, slick and shiny with rustic wood. Epitome of Ying and Yang.

Below is the hotel restaurant MAPLE & PINE – glass sheleves seperate the lobby reception desk area. You can really apprecaite the architecture of the former department store. The celiengs are almost church like with coves and coloms, the iron staircase is origianl to the building. Again the raspberry pink (my favorite shade) is dabbled about. Off the lobby is a PINK COUCH! I need that in my life NOW!

This is a photo of the department store – you see the curved celing and the wrought iron stairs off to the left – still used today!

This courtyard is just off the lobby and the Quirk Gallery great spot for tea, coffee and amazing Happy Hour Party or events for sure! The all white back ground makes for a BLANK SLATE!

In the stunning lobby doesnt this space just beg for a photo shoot and tons instagram worthy snapshots! P.S. Did I mention I need this couch so crushing on this lobby – shoot the whole hotel.

I will have more on the hotel and the rooms available on my next visit – please check out their website and make it part of your summer travel. Richmond is so full of history, art, food and great people you dont want to miss out.

Next door to the hotel was Graffiato Italian restaurant – see link Graffiato VA and since I have not been to the much smaller orignainl in DC had to give this a try. The place is huge – dark, metal , industrail ready for the larger crowds to come.

The restaurnt itself was – a bit dirty – the front entrance had cobb webs galore and the staris and basement where the restrooms were – kindda scary. Not what I’d expect from this chain…………..However the reputation and the desire I had for pizza persuaded me and I’m glad we went. The service, apps and drinks DLISH, the Charred Octopus was done wonderfully – one word “YUM”! Look at my pizza really really good. I adore a simple “Pizza Margherita”The YSL Exhibit was so wonderful and thirlled Mike agreed to go with me – museums are not his thing to say the least – below me trying my best model pose.the Virginia Museum Of Fine Arts is one of the nicest museums I have had the chance to visit. I make it a point to go each time I am in town, The ground are just insane and they have some of the best unique current exhibits around. https://vmfa.museum please check it out.

On the ground of the VMFA a cool 3D large scale art for that changed as you walked around it – so cool!

Here you see Quirk’s Rooftop Bar in the distance – make sure to put it on your list – great atmosphere and views of the city plus the breeze up there fantastic during this summer heat!

It is always too short of a trip visiting you JoJo but I’ll be back again soon to do a full story on Quirk, the histoy, the concept and the furture for this brand! Also to take Joe to LEDBURY – Bespoke Mens Clothes and get him a custom dress shirt , new sport jacket and maybe a few other things a young professional may need. (that’s what mom’s do right – that and cook and orgnaize his apt. )

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Welcome to “BLANK SLATE”. My name is Lori Tauraso, I’m a 40 something mother of 4, empty nester . So I find myself trying something new. While raising my family, I’ve been a make-up artist and worked for NARS, Elizabeth Arden & Clinique. I have done freelance work, dabbled in Interior Design and lent my touch to some local restaurants, offices, fundraising events & parties! I love to express my creativity in many ways. You name it, I’ve done it. Fashion, makeup, travel & entertaining have always been a love closely bordering on obsession for me!!!!

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